Revelation of John 21:4
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
‘He will wipe away every tear from their eyes,’ and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away.”
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
all tears--Greek, "every tear." no more death--Greek, "death shall be no more." Therefore it is not the millennium, for in the latter there is death (Isa 65:20; Co1 15:26, Co1 15:54, "the last enemy . . . destroyed is death," Rev 20:14, after the millennium). sorrow--Greek, "mourning." passed away--Greek, "departed," as in Rev 21:1.
Open source ↗Hitherto the prophecy of this book has presented to us a very remarkable mixture of light and shade, prosperity and adversity, mercy and judgment, in the conduct of divine Providence towards the church in the world: now, at the close of all, the day breaks, and the shadows flee away; a new world now appears, the former having passed away. Some are willing to understand all that is said in these last two chapters of the state of the church even here on earth, in the glory of the latter days; but others, more probably, take it as a representation of the perfect and triumphant state of the church in heaven. Let but the faithful saints and servants of God wait awhile, and they shall not only see, but enjoy, the perfect holiness and happiness of that world. In this chapter you have, I. An introduction to the vision of the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:1-9). II. The vision itself (Rev 21:10, etc.)
Open source ↗21:4 no more death or sorrow or crying or pain: See Isa 25:8; 1 Cor 15:54. God’s people will know the creative wholeness and salvation that Christ brings (see 2 Cor 5:17; Gal 6:15).
Open source ↗From the web
What trusted teachers and preachers say about this passage, from around the web.
learn.ligonier.org
Open source ↗learn.ligonier.org
Open source ↗desiringgod.org
Open source ↗learn.ligonier.org
Open source ↗learn.ligonier.org
Open source ↗ligonier.org
Open source ↗desiringgod.org
Open source ↗desiringgod.org
Open source ↗thegospelcoalition.org
Open source ↗desiringgod.org
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken.
For the Lamb in the center of the throne will be their shepherd. ‘He will lead them to springs of living water,’ and ‘God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’”
The last enemy to be destroyed is death.
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.
The world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God remains forever.
So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.
Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will never pass away.
O people in Zion who dwell in Jerusalem, you will weep no more. He will surely be gracious when you cry for help; when He hears, He will answer you.